ANU Professor of Astronomy Penny Sackett Appointed Australian Chief Scientist. (September 30, 2008)

Below is a copy of the media release provided by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Kim Carr, announcing the appointment of ANU Professor Penny Sackett (52) to be Australia's Chief Scientist beginning in November.

The 5-year appointment carrying a salary of $330,000 p/a is to be full time and Senator Carr's spokeswomen confirms that the office will remain in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research rather than being transferred to that of the  Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Had that been the case it would have been equivalent to the position of the UK's chief scientific advisor.

Professor Sackett told The Australian: "This role is one of an independent consultant. I'd like to think I'm doing things for Australia. I'll be the Chief Scientist for Australia, not of Australia."

One of Australia's internationally most respected active researchers told TFW: "Everything I've seen and heard about her has been good. In one instance I was present when she gave her opinion about a new appointment to the senior management at the ANU, and she was frank and accurate in her comments, which were partly positive and partly negative. At that time, she was a director of a Research School, and there have been many occasions in the past where such people have been much less forthright in voicing their views. In short, I have no reason to doubt  that she will do a good job."